Roman Road, Puddletown Forest – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Stinsford

Hiking trails & Routes

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Stinsford

Easy

5.0

(3)

hikers

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Stinsford

01:15

4.64km

60m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

182 m

Greenwood Grange Café

Highlight • Cafe

Not sure I would recommend. Probably neutral - not overly welcoming and tbh at present (25/06/15) a bit average. However great location for Hardye's cottages and walks. Note - you need to pay to park

Tip by

459 m

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Historical Site

this continues over to Duddle Heath and then down into Puddletown forest

Tip by

1.00 km

An important watering hole for wildlife and the resident Dartmoor ponies, Rushy Pond buzzes with dragonflies and damselflies, whilst the pond’s surface is often disturbed by a newt surfacing for air or a grass snake on the hunt.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage

Tip by

1.16 km

Roman Road Through Duddle Heath

Highlight • Trail

Actually you're supposed to not cycle through Duddle Heath, due to fear of cyclists coming off the track here and disturbing wildlife, nesting birds, vegetation etc. Regeneration of the heathland etc

Tip by

4.13 km

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1800, this stunning thatched cottage was the birthplace of the famous writer, Thomas Hardy. Built by his great-grandfather, Hardy lived here for over 30 years and wrote some …

Tip by

4.63 km

Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Cafe

If you are a Thomas Hardy enthusiast this is a must - the small cottage where he was born and grew up, writing his early novels. The garden is large …

Tip by

4.64 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.44 km

208 m

Surfaces

2.29 km

1.40 km

961 m